Philanthropist and private investor E. Roe Stamps IV will deliver the spring commencement address at The Ohio State University, according to an April 16 announcement. The ceremony is scheduled for noon on Sunday, May 10 at Ohio Stadium, where approximately 12,000 diplomas will be awarded.
Stamps is recognized as the co-founder of Summit Partners, a Boston-based private equity and venture capital firm, and for establishing the Stamps Scholars Program. This program provides scholarships to students at more than three dozen universities worldwide. At Ohio State specifically, about 50 students each year benefit from scholarships through the affiliated Stamps Eminence Scholarship Program.
“We look forward to welcoming Roe Stamps to our university to share words of wisdom with the Class of 2026,” said President Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “Roe is a champion for the transformative power of higher education, and he has been an extraordinary partner in building a tradition of excellence at Ohio State. His lessons on service and creating impact will be of great value to our graduates as they prepare to take their next steps.”
“It is a true honor to deliver the 2026 commencement address to The Ohio State University’s graduating class,” Stamps said. “Ohio State is an extraordinary institution, and through the Stamps Scholars partnership with the university, our family has had the privilege of getting to know many remarkable Buckeye students. I look forward to being on campus and celebrating alongside the graduates as they mark this important milestone and begin the next chapter of their journeys.”
Stamps holds degrees in industrial engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard University. He co-founded Summit Partners in 1984 after early career experience in venture capital in Chicago and Boston; he served as managing director until transitioning daily operations in 2001. Summit Partners currently manages $44 billion in assets with investments across over 550 companies.
In addition to his business work, Stamps supports education through various initiatives such as serving as trustee emeritus for Georgia Tech Foundation and contributing philanthropically within Miami where he resides—including support for organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.
At this year’s ceremony, along with delivering his address, Stamps will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree recognizing his dedication toward advancing educational opportunities.
The event reflects ongoing traditions at The Ohio State University that include competing in 36 varsity sports while securing Big Ten championships and producing national champions according to its official website. The university also contributes through community engagement efforts like fundraising for pediatric cancer research and organizing global service trips according to its official website.
Ohio State features facilities such as Wexner Center for the Arts supporting academics and recreation according to its official website. It operates six campuses statewide with Extension offices present throughout all counties according to its official website, pursuing its land-grant mission via affordable education initiatives across Ohio according to its official website.
